I Have recently been asked about my plans when it comes to Emmaleigh and nursing on two occasions. The first time I was actually told I should get her off, cause she is too old. So that I could go off and do things, get a job ect. Emmaleigh was born almost 8 weeks early and is doing remarkable well. I don't agree with weaning her for my own selfish needs or furthermore for the selfish or misunderstanding of what a child needs of others.
The 2nd time I went to the doctor. He wasn't a wear of the fact that Darin had been fixed and he started pushing on the birth control issues and wanted to know when I planned on stopping breastfeeding and kept on telling me If I do decided to stop come back and we can do some birth control. What I don't understand is I don't feel it's a plan for me or even my decision. I feel like Emmaleigh nursing is as much as her right as it is my right to breathe. I don't have a answer for how long I plan on nursing because it is a joint desion between both me and my daughter and since she can not speak and tell me mom I think I want to quit at this age and I can not see the future and neither can she I can not answer that question. It's like me asking you what will you be having for dinner on October 12, 2018. Can you tell me ? The end of breastfeed is not a "magical" day where her and I will say yesterday was the last day. What I see happening on how our nursing will come to a end is a day where we may have nursed 15 times and then we may start nurse less and until we come to a day where it's a rare thing and before I know it. It will have been a week then two and she will not ask to nurse anymore and I will know I did my job. I will be sad that she will be done but I will know she no longer emotionally or nutritionally need my milk anymore. Most of my family and friends have been around as I nursed the others and know that I am much different than others and I don't not quit cause they have reached that 235 day of life. I sorry but When I look at my baby she has not changed in those 24 hours and this is something I trust in my body and hers to know she needs it or she wouldn't do it. We have this amazing demonical bond.
Many moms wonder if there is a reason on benifit to nurse past that first birthday. Breastfeeding provides much more than just nutrition. Toddlers really enjoy nursing -- they don't nurse for milk alone. Breastfeeding soothes your child. It comforts him when he is tired, sick or hurt. Nursing is your baby's way of touching base with you as he busily explores his world. Parents often worry that their child will become clingy and dependent if they are nursed for an extended period of time. Providing your little one with this loving and secure base actually helps him to become independent. The health benefits of breastfeeding do extend throughout the entire time you nurse. A longer duration of breastfeeding has been found to be directly associated with not only fewer infant illnesses, but subsequently, fewer toddler illnesses. Mothers also benefit from extended nursing. You continue to benefit from the hormones of breastfeeding. The "mothering hormone," prolactin, relaxes you, while oxytocin stimulates loving , nurturing behavior. As mothers of nursing toddlers know, this can be very important to your mental and well-being. Life with a toddler is not always easy! You also benefit from the intimacy that nursing provides. Taking time out of a busy day to cuddle is as important to moms as it is to their babies.
The natural time of weaning will vary from child to child. In cultures where children are allowed to nurse as long as they want it has been found that natural weaning takes place between three and four years of age. Extended nursing seems to be the human norm.
So why is it that I have a 18 month child who is the size of a 12 month old and I'm already getting those looks and stars ? She not even 2. Yes she has teeth. Yes she can ask when she wants it in her own way. I ask you what is wrong with that ? If I'm thirty can't I pour myself some water ? If I'm hungry can't I make myself a sandwich ? If I would give her a cup of juice when she asked would there be a problem. I think not. IF I were to bring her favorite teddy bear for her hug when she was sleepy no one would think twice they properly thing it was quite adorable. if she needed a special blanket then she was sad or hurt there would be a problem there either. Can I help it if I'm super mom. When she is hungry, tried, hurt, or just sad my arms wrap around her little body and some warm milk in her tummy makes all that was wrong okay. You know I am okay with that cause I feel I am doing what I was meant to do. IF my baby was only meant to nurse for 1 year I would have dried up on her birthday. If I wasn't meant to nurse at all my breast wouldn't have made milk. SO I know I am doing when is best for both of us and we are happy with that and if you don't support my choice that is your own problem. you don't have to agree with my choice, but you don't have the right to try and tell me I am wrong and you are right or try and make me feel like I'm doing something wrong cause I'm not and I think nursing a baby is more beautiful than a baby drinking from a cup or hugging a blanket or a bear and I very thrilled with the hard time we have over come not many premature babies are nursing when they are released from the NICU must less there first Birthday or even by the time they are 1 1/2 so for me this is a wonderful millstone and I looking forward to the next and one after that and the one after that until my job is done. So in the answer your question. How long do I plan on nursing ? until my job is done.
